Wrinkles & Diet

People spend a lot of money on creams and lotions that promise to combat wrinkles. According to Skin Care Industry News, U.S. consumers spend $43 billion per year on skin care. If these same consumers used some of those hard-earned dollars to feed their skin from within, they would probably be better off. Before you run out and purchase another wrinkle cream, consider how your diet is affecting your skin.

Science

There are millions of cells in every square inch of your skin, all of which need the proper fuel to remain healthy. The food you eat supplies this need. Consuming high quality food means having more nutrients available to fill the needs of your cells. According to a study in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in 2009, there is an association between higher fat intake and skin that is more elastic with fewer lines. The study also concluded that higher intakes of green and yellow vegetables resulted in fewer wrinkles.

Genes

Your genes play an important role in how you age. Some people seem to age more quickly than others. However, new research suggests that environmental factors have a significant impact on how old we appear. A study conducted on twins by the American Society of Plastic Surgery concluded that smoking, sunning and weight fluctuations contribute to aging. Of special note: Twins who were over the age of 40 and weighed more looked younger than their thinner siblings.

Nutrition

According to MayoClinic.com dermatologist Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, the best foods to eat for healthy skin include orange fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, blueberries, tomatoes, legumes, fatty fish and nuts. It's not only what you eat but what you avoid that results in a healthy diet. Foods that are high in sugar and lack nutritional value contribute to free radical damage, which is a major cause of aging and degenerative diseases.

Skin Benefits

Beautiful skin is a reflection of good health. A healthy diet helps to ensure your skin will be as beautiful as possible. Increased radiance, elasticity and fewer lines and wrinkles are possible when your body is functioning at peak performance. Conversely, poor diet, stress, lack of sleep and dehydration can make your skin appear older.

Time Frame

Although a healthy diet cannot undo all the signs of skin aging, it can help you prevent unnecessary premature aging of the skin. Since epidermal skin cells turn over approximately every 28 days, you may see some benefits of improving your diet within the first month that you do so. However, the real benefits lie in prevention; a lifetime of healthy eating can make a significant difference in how you age.